This class will focus on four
literary genres: poetry, drama, nonfiction, and novels.
Texts we may draw from:
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,Mark Haddon
Ballad and Contemporary Poetry
Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare
A Raisin in the Sun, Lorraine Hansberry
Antigone, Sophocles
Hiroshima, John Hersey
Into Thin Air, John Krakauer
Reading: When we are reading a text together, expect to
read between 15-25 pages per class. I expect all reading assignments to be
completed with care so that everyone will be able to participate effectively in
class discussions.
Writing: We will be writing creatively and analytically
throughout the year. My goal is to help you express yourselves with greater
clarity, precision, and insight. In much of your
writing, I will be looking for thoughtful analysis, strong paragraph skills,
and correct grammar and spelling. I will require rough drafts of many formal
writing assignments. Expect to have 3-4 formal writing assignments per quarter.
Other Skills: You will study and be quizzed on vocabulary,
grammar, and literary terms throughout the year.
Required Materials: You
will need a three-ring binder for this class. I suggest you divide the binder
into the following sections: Notes, Handouts, Grammar, and
Returned Work. When I give you a
handout, you are responsible for keeping it. Remember, being organized will
help you keep track of important materials and ensure that you can find things
quickly and easily; this will be helpful when it comes time to study for
exams. You should always bring your binder (including blank paper),
the book we're reading, an assignment notebook, and a pen or pencil to every
class.
Books: You will sign out the required books from the
English department. Remember that other students will need these books later
on, so take good care of them. You will be charged for any damage or loss.
Class Participation: A good English class is one in which everyone contributes to and
benefits from the exchange of ideas. Therefore, a part of your grade will be
based on the degree to which you engage in our class. In determining this
grade, I consider not only how much you talk, but also the thoughtfulness of
your comments, your attentiveness, your contribution to group activities, your
behavior, your journal work, and your overall preparation (have you done your
reading, did you bring your pencil, etc.).
Attendance & Tardiness: Come to class on time and prepared to read, write,
discuss, think, and ask questions. P1ease be in your seat and ready to begin
when the bell rings. If you are late, you must sign the late book on my desk or
risk being marked absent for the period. I will enforce the school's policies
on attendance and tardiness, so be sure that you are familiar with the rules in
the Student Handbook.
Re-Writes: You may rewrite two major writing assignments each
semester for a new grade. However, you must meet the following conditions: (1) within
five days of receiving your grade, you must meet with me to discuss the paper
(2) you must submit the rewrite within one week of our meeting (3) you must
submit the original copy with my comments along with your new draft. I will
grade the rewrite and you will receive the average of the two grades.
Make-up Work and Late
Assignments: If you are absent. it is your
responsibility to get and complete your missing assignments. If you know in
advance you will be absent (field trip, doctor's appointments), you should get
the assignments before you leave so that you will be caught up for your return
to class. All make-up work must be completed within one week of your return to
school, unless you have been absent for more than a week (in that case, come see
me to set deadlines). Late assignments will be deducted 5 points or a 1/2
letter grade for each day late (for example, from 92 to 87 or A- to B+) until
they reach F. Minor homework assignments will not be accepted if they are more
than one week late. If you miss homework assignments, consequences may include
contacting your parents and/or keeping you after school to make up work.
Cheating and Plagiarism: Do not copy words, answers or ideas from a classmate, a
parent, a friend, or any other source.
I will strictly enforce the school's rules on plagiarism and cheating.
Classroom Behavior Our classroom should be a place where
people are able to express their ideas and ask questions freely in order to
learn. Please be courteous, tolerant, thoughtful, and
cooperative towards everyone in this room.
Extra Help: Please come and see me if you would like to set up a meeting. I have some free blocks, and I am often available after school for extra help.